Paradise where it's 30°C in February and the people are the 'friendliest in the world'
You might be in the most beautiful country in the world, but if the people there are unwelcoming, you won't want to make a return visit. One place you're pretty much guaranteed a warm welcome is Costa Rica.
The Central American country with coastlines on the Caribbean and the Pacific has been voted the world's friendliest country by Conde Nast readers. In the readers' choice awards, travellers said Costa Ricans were the most hospitable people for visitors.
Conde Nast Traveller wrote: "Taking the top spot, Costa Rica is home to dynamic rainforests, world-class surfing and, of course, friendly people. “Pura Vida” (meaning “pure life”) is their national expression, used by locals as a greeting but also as a guiding principle.
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"Costa Rican lifestyle is centred around positivity and gratitude, and this infectious optimism enriches the outlooks of visitors too. The country is a leading ecotourism destination, with 25 per cent of its land protected by conservation reserves, making it a place which is kind to both the people and the planet."
Not only are the locals friendly, but the weather is wonderful there too. The average temperature this month is 30°C. While you're there, you can visit the country's stunning beaches and go surfing, snorkelling or paddleboarding.
The country is blessed with incredible natural beauty, and has rainforests, waterfalls and hot springs. It is a haven for wildlife watchers. In Costa Rica, you can see tapirs, crocodiles, squirrel monkeys and beautiful tropical birds including macaws and toucans.